The Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday sent out qualifying offers to restricted free agents for whom it wanted to retain negotiating rights. The two most noticeable exceptions were defensemen Matt Smaby and Mike Lundin. Both can be unrestricted free agents on Friday, free to sign with any team. Of course, they could still sign with Lightning before Friday, too.

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Qualifying offers must be 10 percent over the player's previous season salary if he made below $660,000. The offer must be five percent more than the previous season if the player made more than $660,000. The offer must be equal to the previous salary if the player made more than $1 million.

With Lundin, general manager Steve Yzerman said he had conversations with Lundin's agent about a new deal, but they could not agree on compensation. Yzerman also said he believes Lundin's potential arbitration award would have been high. Yzerman didn't close the door on Lundin, but he seems headed for the open market. Smaby, too, will be exploring other options.